Degradative Exposures
OVERVIEW
It is important that textile and related polymeric products conform to their proposed function for the whole of their likely lifecycle. Any degradative effect of use conditions can serve to weaken the material, or indeed degrade it so completely so that it loses its function entirely. This is a significant issue for materials designed to be in situ for significant periods of time. Examples of outdoor textiles would include garden furniture and flexible outdoor structures such as marquees, commercial roofing and awnings, and examples of geotextiles would include banking support infra-structures and landfill liners.
WEATHERING / LIGHT EXPOSURE
Shirley® offers exposure testing using the QUV equipment, which conforms to BSENISO 4892-3:2013 and to a large number of associated non-UK methods and product specifications. This testing replicates the degradative effect of the UV spectrum of natural light on polymeric materials, often in conjunction with moisture in the form of condensation or direct water spray. The testing is normally carried out for one of the following reasons:
- To determine basic performance of new product developments
- To estimate the likely lifecycle of products to use conditions
- To determine conformance to existing product specifications
ADDITIONAL EXPOSURES
In addition to our weathering capabilities, Shirley® can also offer degradative exposures of the following types:
- Effect of synthetic leachates on landfill liners
- Effect of immersion in acid, alkali or specified liquids
- Hydrolysis and leaching of geotextiles and similar products
- Oxidation of geotextiles and similar products by oxidative induction time (OIT)
- Exposure to elevated conditions of heat and/or humidity
For further information or to discuss a specific test or ongoing testing programme, please contact Ian Strudwick, who will be happy to discuss your requirements, on +44 (0) 161 869 1610 or ian.strudwick@shirleytech.co.uk